Free A New Dawn Rising by Michael Joseph Page B

upped sticks and moved on. Thought I'd pop in here for a quick one before I go home.'
    The man gave him a sympathetic look.
    'That's a shame,' he slurred, shaking his head and emptying half his pint down his front in the process. 'He moved on without telling you?'
    'Yeah,' replied Sam, taking a sip of whisky while looking suitably downcast.
    'What's his name?'
    'John.'
    The man concentrated hard on Sam. It was plainly taking all his effort.
    'John?'
    'Yeah,' said Sam. He leaned closer to the man and spoke quietly. 'I won't tell you his second name 'cos he's always in trouble and you never know who's listening. It's probably why he's bunked off. Got into bother again...'
    'Ah, enough said,' the man replied slyly, tapping the side of his nose in understanding. He thrust a hand out in Sam's direction. 'I'm Barry, by the way. Can I get you one?'
    Sam shook his hand. For one unsettling moment, Barry wouldn't let go. He held Sam's hand in a tight grip and stared at him, eyes glazed over. Then he relaxed and took his hand away, visibly wobbling on the spot. Sam realised his new friend had just been using him for support.
    'Cheers, Barry. Yeah, I'll have another whisky before I bunk off.'
    Barry nodded in exaggerated fashion and gave Sam a friendly slap on the back.
    'Whisky please, barman!' he shouted, leaning on the bar and slamming his fist down on it. Sam took a discreet look round the pub. Nobody was paying them any attention.
    'Here you go, my friend,' cried Barry, passing him the whisky. 'Yep, I know a few people myself round here who are up to no good...'
    Sam's ears pricked up.
    '...some right little villains...'
    Sam watched Barry lean back against the bar. His eyes had gone again.
    '...there's a bloke who lives a couple of doors from me...'
    Barry shut his eyes. He looked unsteady on his legs. Sam could see he was going to topple over. It was a good time to go. He didn't want to be the centre of attention in here. He knocked back his whisky and walked over to the toilets. Halfway there, he heard a loud thump behind him. A roar of laughter followed.
    Just as he reached the door leading out to the toilets, something caught Sam's eye. On the wall, next to the dartboard, was a list of names. Entrants to an upcoming darts tournament. At the very top of the list was a familiar looking name.
    Martyn Taylor.
    Martytaylor.
    Sam wondered. Was it co-incidence?

Chapter 19
    Sam arrived shortly after seven to pick Carl up. The spotlights at the front of the house came on as he pulled up, illuminating the driveway. He watched Carl come out and walk briskly down the steps. Sam had questions for him. A lot of questions. Carl got into the passenger seat of the Capri to save time changing cars.
    'Right, Sam,' he said promptly. 'We need to get to the factory and back as quickly as possible. I've got some important phone calls to make this evening.'
    Sam didn't move a muscle.
    'We're not going anywhere,' he said slowly. 'Not until you clear up a few things.'
    Carl was fiddling with his seatbelt. 'I haven't got time tonight,' he said, trying to get the strap across his chest. 'What the hell's wrong with this thing?'
    Sam leaned across and pulled the strap tight across Carl. With force, he snapped it securely into the buckle. Carl looked at him, slightly alarmed.
    'Okay,' he sighed. 'I'll answer your questions, but for God's sake, let's get moving.'
    ***
    'Who were the two men who called at your house earlier?' asked Sam.
    'When?' replied Carl.
    'While I was waiting for you this morning.'
    'This morning?'
    Sam let out a deep sigh and gripped the steering wheel tightly.
    'Yes, this morning. They turned up in a black beamer a few minutes before you got back with Molly and the girls.'
    Carl shook his head, mystified.
    'I don't know,' he said. 'What did they look like?'
    'Big and ugly. Looked ready to smash a few heads. Your head in particular, if you don't give them what they want.'
    Sam glanced over at Carl, gauging his reaction. There wasn't